The island nation of Malta has long been a place of strategic importance because of its location in the Mediterranean. Having been ruled by Romans, Spanish, French and British, among other empires, it is awash in history and boasts numerous UNESCO heritage sites. It also enjoys a mild climate and some wonderful natural attractions which makes it a popular tourist destination. These photos to give you an idea of some of the places you can visit if you ever go there.

A general view of the Upper Barrakka Gardens at St. Peter’s Bastion in Valetta, Malta.

A general view of boats in the Mgarr harbour basin on Gozo Island, Malta.

A general view in the valley of the Mgarr harbour on Gozo Island, Malta.

A general view in the valley of the Mgarr harbour on Gozo Island, Malta.

The St. Agatha’s Tower, a fortress built during the reign of the knights in 1649 and due to its colour also called Red Tower, is seen in Mellieha, Malta.

The Ghadira Natural Reserve is seen in Mellieha, Malta.

The town scenery Popeye Village, built by director Robert Altman for the movie “Popeye – The sailor” in 1979, is seen in Mellieha, Malta.

The town scenery Popeye Village, built by director Robert Altman for the movie “Popeye – The sailor” in 1979, is seen in Mellieha, Malta.

A huge cliff is seen at Anchor Bay in Mellieha, Malta.

Tourists and an artilleryman of the ‘Saluting Battery’ are seen at the Upper Barrakka Gardens of St. Peter’s Bastion in Valetta, Malta.

Tourists and an artilleryman of the ‘Saluting Battery’ are seen at the Upper Barrakka Gardens of St. Peter’s Bastion in Valetta, Malta.

An artilleryman fires a gun salute from the ‘Saluting Battery’ at the Upper Barrakka Gardens of St. Peter’s Bastion in Valetta, Malta.

9-inch RML guns of the ‘Saluting Battery’ are seen at the Upper Barrakka Gardens of St. Peter’s Bastion on May in Valetta, Malta.

The Lascaris War Rooms are seen at St. James Ditch underneath the Upper Barracca Gardens in Valetta, Malta.

The Lascaris War Rooms are seen at St. James Ditch underneath the Upper Barracca Gardens in Valetta, Malta.

he official residence of the Maltese Prime Minister ‘Auberge de Castille’ is seen at Castille Place in Valetta, Malta.

The official residence of the Maltese Prime Minister ‘Auberge de Castille’ is seen at Castille Place in Valetta, Malta.

Lovers are seen at the shooting platform of the Upper Barrakka Gardens in front of Grand Harbour in Valetta, Malta.

A general view from St. Peter’s Bastion across Grand Harbour in Valetta, Malta.

A general view from St. Peter’s Bastion across Grand Harbour in Valetta, Malta.

A general view from St. Peter’s Bastion across Grand Harbour in Valetta, Malta.

A general view from St. Peter’s Bastion across Grand Harbour in Valetta, Malta.

A general view from St. James Counterguard across Grand Harbour and the three fortified cities in Valetta, Malta. (Photo by )

A general view of the Upper Barrakka Gardens at St. Peter’s Bastion in Valetta, Malta.